ªThe patient went from the ER to the OR and then to the ICU.º

Introduction

ªThe patient went from the ER to the OR and then to the ICU.º

It is an irrefutable fact that doctors' speech is full of abbreviations.

Health-care professionals in general and radiologists in particular use at least ten abbreviations per minute (this is our own home-made statistic;

please don't quote us). This high prevalence has led us to consider medical abbreviations as a challenging pandemic.

There are several ªtypesº of abbreviations, namely:

· Straightforward abbreviations

· Extra-nice abbreviations

· Expanded-term abbreviations

· Energy-saving abbreviations

· Double-meaning abbreviations

· Mind-blowing abbreviations

Let us begin with the nice ones; we call them the straightforward abbrevia- tions because for each nice abbreviation in your own language there is a nice English equivalent. No beating around the bush here. It's just a matter of changing letter order, identifying the abbreviations and learning them.

Let us give you a few examples so you can enjoy the simple things in life ... while you can!

HRT Hormone replacement therapy LVOT Left ventricle outflow tract ASD Atrial septal defect

VSD Ventricular septal defect

TEE Transesophageal echocardiography LDA Left anterior descending artery ACE Angiotensin converting enzyme

Unit X Acronyms and Abbreviations

There are other kinds of abbreviation: the extra-nice ones. They are mostly used for drugs or chemical substances whose name has three or four sylla- bles too many. They are extra nice because they are usually the same in many languages. Let's see just an example:

CPK Creatine phosphokinase

In the next group, we have put together some examples of abbreviations that are widely used in English but that are generally preferred in their expanded form in other languages. Since language is an ever-changing creature, we are sure that these terms will eventually be abbreviated in many languages but so far you can hear them referred to mostly as expanded terms:

NSCLC Non-small-cell lung cancer PBSC Peripheral blood stem cell

There is another group which we call the energy-saving abbreviations.

These are abbreviations that many languages leave in the English original and, of course, when expanding them the first letter of each word doesn't match the abbreviation. We call them energy-saving because it wouldn't have been so difficult to come up with a real ªnationalº abbreviation for that term. When looking for examples, we realized that most hormone names are energy-saving abbreviations:

FSH Follicle-stimulating hormone TNF Tumor necrosis factor PAW Pulmonary arterial wedge

There is yet another kind, which we call the double-meaning abbreviations.

This is when one abbreviation can refer to two different terms. The context helps, of course, to discern the real meaning. However, it is worth keeping an eye open for these because, if misinterpreted, these abbreviations might get you into an embarrassing situation:

· PCR

± Polymerase chain reaction

± Plasma clearance rate

± Pathological complete response

± Protein catabolic rate

· HEV

± Human enteric virus

± Hepatitis E virus

· PID

± Pelvic inflammatory disease

± Prolapsed intervertebral disc

· CSF

± Colony-stimulating factor

± Cerebrospinal fluid

The funniest abbreviations are those that become acronyms in which the pronunciation resembles a word that has nothing to do with the abbrevia- tion's meaning. We call this group the mind-blowing abbreviations.

A cabbage in English is that nice vegetable known for its gasogenic properties. However, when an English-speaking surgeon says ªThis patient is a clear candidate for cabbageº, he/she isn't talking about what the patient should have for lunch, but rather the type of surgery he/she is suggesting should be performed. Thus, cabbage is the colloquial way of referring to CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting).

If you happen to be eavesdropping in a corridor and you hear an oncol- ogist saying ªI think your patient needs a chopº, you walk on down the corridor, wondering whether this new alternative therapy will consist of a pork or a lambchop. But then you quickly realize that the specialist you were eavesdropping on was actually referring to a CHOP (a regimen of cy- clophosphamide, hydroxydaunomycin, oncovin and prednisone, used in cancer chemotherapy).

There are more abbreviations out there, and there are also more to come. The medical profession is sure to keep us busy catching up with its incursions into linguistic creation.

Regardless of the ªtypeº of abbreviation you have before you, we will give you three pieces of advice:

1. Identify the most common abbreviations.

2. Read the abbreviations in your lists.

3. Begin with abbreviation lists of your radiological subspecialty.

Read the abbreviations in your lists. Read the abbreviations in your lists in a natural way. Bear in mind that to be able to identify written abbreviations may not be enough. From this standpoint, there are three types of abbre- viations:

1. Spelt abbreviations

2. Read abbreviations (acronyms) 3. Half-spelled/half-read abbreviations

Nobody would understand a spelt abbreviation if you read it and nobody would understand a read abbreviation if you spelt it. Let us make clear what we are trying to say with an example. LAM stands for lymphangio- myomatosis and must be read lam. Nobody would understand you if in- stead of saying lam you spell L-A-M. Therefore, never spell a ªread abbre- viationº and never read a ªspelt abbreviationº.

Most abbreviations are spelt abbreviations, and are usually those in

which the letter order makes them almost impossible to read. Think, for

example, of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and try to read

the abbreviation instead of spelling it. Never use the ªexpanded formº

(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) of a classic abbreviation such as

this one because it would sound extraordinarily unnatural.

Some abbreviations have become acronyms and therefore must be read and not spelt. Their letter order allows us to read them. LAM belongs to this group.

The third type is made up of abbreviations such as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) which is pronounced something like C-pap. If you spell out CPAP (C-P-A-P), nobody will understand you.

Review abbreviation lists on your specialty. Review as many abbreviation lists on your specialty as you can and double-check them until you are familiar with their meaning and pronunciation.

Although you should make your own abbreviation lists, we have created several classified by specialty. To begin with, check whether your own spe- cialty's list is included; if not, start writing your own. Be patient ... this task can last the rest of your professional life.

Abbreviation Lists

General List

5FU 5-Fluorouracil

ABPA Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis ACE Angiotensin-converting enzyme

aCL Antibodies to cardiolipin ACTH Adrenocorticotropic hormone

ADH Antidiuretic hormone

ADPKD Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

AF Atrial fibrillation

AFP Alpha fetoprotein

AJCC American Joint Cancer Commission ALT Alanine aminotransferase

a1AT a1-Antitrypsin

AML Acute myeloid leukemia

ANA Antinuclear antibodies APCs Atrial premature complexes API Arterial pressure index

APUD Amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation system ARDS Acute respiratory distress syndrome

ARF Acute renal failure

AS Ankylosing spondylitis

AST Aspartate aminotransferase ATN Acute tubular necrosis

AVP Arginine vasopressin

BAL Bronchoalveolar lavage

BCC Basal cell carcinoma

BCG Bacillus Calmette-Gurin

BMT Bone marrow transplant

BP Bullous pemphigoid

BPF Brazilian purpuric fever

CBD Common bile duct

CCK Cholecystokinin

CD Crohn disease

CEA Carcinoembryonic antigen

CF Cystic fibrosis

CML Chronic myeloid leukemia

CMML Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

CP Cicatricial pemphigoid

CRF Chronic renal failure

CRH Corticotropin-releasing hormone CSF Colony stimulating factor

CT Computed tomography

CTX Cholera toxin

CUPS Cancer of unknown primary site CWP Coal workers' pneumoconiosis

CXR Chest X-ray

DCIS Ductal carcinoma in situ DLE Discoid lupus erythematosus DGI Disseminated gonococcal infection

DH Dermatitis herpetiformis

DISH Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis DPB Diastolic blood pressure

DRA Dialysis-related amyloidosis DRE Digital rectal examination

DU Duodenal ulcer

DVT Deep venous thrombosis

EBA Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita

EBV Epstein Barr virus

ECG Electrocardiogram

EGD Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

ERCP Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography ESRD End-stage renal disease

FAP Familial amyloid polyneuropathies FEV

Forced expiratory volume in one second FMF Familial Mediterranean fever

FSGS Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis FSH Follicle-stimulating hormone

GBM Glomerular basement membrane

GCT Germ cell tumor

GFR Glomerular filtration rate

GGT c-Glutamyltranspeptidase, c-glutamyltransferase

GH Growth hormone

GHRH Growth hormone-releasing hormone

GI Gastrointestinal

GIP Gastrin inhibitory peptide

GU Gastric ulcer

HBV Hepatitis B virus

hCG Human chorionic gonadotropin

HCV Hepatitis C virus

HIVAN Human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy

HOA Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy HP Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

HPV Human papilloma virus

HRT Hormone replacement therapy

HSC Hematopoietic stem cell

HUS Hemolytic uremic syndrome

IBD Inflammatory bowel disease IBS Irritable bowel syndrome

IL Interleukin

ILD Interstitial lung disease

IPSID Immunoproliferative small intestinal disease (Mediterranean lymphoma)

ITP Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura JN Juvenile nephronophthisis

LA Lupus anticoagulant

LBBB Left bundle branch block LCDD Light chain deposition disease

LDH Lactate dehydrogenase

LES Lower esophageal sphincter

LH Luteinizing hormone

LIP Lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis

MAC Mycobacterium avium complex

MALT Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue MCD Medullary cystic disease

MCD Minimal change disease

MCHC Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration MCTD Mixed connective tissue disease

MCV Mean corpuscular volume

MEN1 Type 1 multiple endocrine neoplasia MPGN Membranoproliferative glomerulopathies

MR Magnetic resonance

MRI Magnetic resonance imaging

NSAIDs Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

NUD Non-ulcer dyspepsia

OA Osteoarthritis

OCG Oral cholecystography

ODTS Organic dust toxic syndrome

OSA Obstructive sleep apnea

PAH Primary alveolar hypoventilation

PAN Polyarteritis nodosa

PAP Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis PBC Primary biliary cirrhosis PCI Prophylactic cranial irradiation PCP Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia PDR Physicians' desk reference (vademecum) PEG Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

PF Pemphigus foliaceus

PG Pemphigoid gestationis

PIF Prolactin inhibitory factor

PML Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy PNET Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor

PRA Plasma renin activity

PRL Prolactin

PSA Prostate-specific antigen

PsA Psoriatic arthritis

PTC Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography

PTE Pulmonary thromboembolism

PTH Parathyroid hormone

PV Pemphigus vulgaris

RA Rheumatoid arthritis

RBBB Right bundle branch block

RBC Red blood cell

RF Rheumatoid factor

RMSF Rocky mountain spotted fever

RPGN Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis RPRF Rapidly progressive renal failure RTA Renal tubular acidosis

RV Residual volume

RVT Renal vein thrombosis

SBC Secondary biliary cirrhosis SBP Systolic blood pressure

SCC Squamous cell carcinoma

SCID Severe combined immunodeficiency SCLE Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus

SI Serum iron

SIADH Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone

SLE Systemic lupus erythematosus SPB Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

SSc Systemic sclerosis

SVCS Superior vena cava syndrome

TB Tuberculosis

TBB Transbronchial biopsy TGFb Transforming growth factor b TIBC Transferrin iron-binding capacity

TIPS Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

TLC Total lung capacity

TNF Tumor necrosis factor

TRH Thyrotropin-releasing hormone TSH Thyroid-stimulating hormone TTA Transtracheal aspiration

TTP Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

UC Ulcerative colitis

US Ultrasonography

VATS Video-assisted thoracic surgery

VC Vital capacity

VF Ventricular fibrillation VIP Vasoactive intestinal peptide VPCs Ventricular premature complexes

WBC White blood cell

WDHA syndrome Watery diarrhea, hypokalemia and achlorhydria syndrome (Verner-Morrison)

ZES Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

Lists by Specialty Anatomy

AC Acromioclavicular joint

ACL Anterior cruciate ligament ACS Anterior cervical space

ARA Anorectal angle

ATA Anterior tibial artery

BNA Basle Nomina Anatomica

CBD Common bile duct

CFA Common femoral artery

CHA Common hepatic artery

CHD Common hepatic duct

CN Cranial nerve

CNS Central nervous system

CS Carotid space

DCF Deep cervical fascia

DLDCF Deep layer of the deep cervical fascia DRUJ Distal radioulnar joint

ECU Extensor carpi ulnaris EEL External elastic lamina

GB Gallbladder

GDA Gastroduodenal artery

GE Gastroesophageal junction

GI Gastrointestinal

IANC International anatomical nomenclature ICA Internal carotid artery

ICRP International Commision on Radiological Protection IEL Internal elastic lamina

IHBD Intrahepatic biliary ducts IMA Inferior mesenteric artery

ITB Iliotibial band

IVC Inferior vena cava

JV Jugular vein

LA Left atrium

LAA Left atrial appendage

LAD Left anterior descending coronary artery LCL Lateral collateral ligament

LCX Left circumflex coronary artery LES Lower esophageal sphincter

LGA Left gastric artery

LHA Left hepatic artery

LHD Left hepatic duct

LHV Left hepatic vein

LIMA Left internal mammary artery LLL Left lower lobe (of lung)

LLQ Left lower quadrant (of abdomen)

LPV Left portal vein

LUCL Lateral ulnar collateral ligament LUL Left upper lobe (of lung)

LUQ Left upper quadrant (of abdomen)

LV Left ventricle

LVOT Left ventricular outflow tract MCL Medial collateral ligament

MCP Metacarpophalangeal

MHV Middle hepatic artery

MLDCF Middle layer of the deep cervical fascia

MS Masticator space

MTP Metatarsophalangeal

NA Nomina anatomica

OM Obtuse marginal branch

PCL Posterior cruciate ligament PCS Posterior cervical space

PDA Posterior descending anterior coronary artery, patent ductus arteriosus

PDV Pancreaticoduodenal vein

PHA Proper hepatic artery

PICA Posteroinferior cerebellar artery

PMS Pharyngeal mucosal space

PS Parotid space

PTA Posterior tibial artery

PV Portal vein

RA Right atrium

RAS Reticular activating system RCL Radial collateral ligament

RDPA Right descending pulmonary artery

RHA Right hepatic artery

RHD Right hepatic duct

RHV Right hepatic vein

RIMA Right internal mammary artery RL Right lower lobe (of lung)

RLQ Right lower quadrant (of abdomen)

RPS Retropharyngeal space

RPV Right portal vein

RUL Right upper lobe (of lung)

RUQ Right upper quadrant (of abdomen)

RV Right ventricle

RVOT Right ventricular outflow tract SCF Superficial cervical fascia SCM Sternocleidomastoid muscle

SCV Subclavian vein

SFA Superficial femoral artery

SLS Sublingual space

SMA Superior mesenteric artery

SMC Smooth muscle cell

SMS Submandibular space

SMV Superior mesenteric vein

ST Scapulothoracic

STT Scaphoid±trapezium±trapezoid

SVC Superior vena cava

TE Tracheoesophageal

TFCC Triangular fibrocartilage complex

TMJ Temporomandibular joint

TMT Tarsometatarsal

UCL Ulnar collateral ligament UES Upper esophageal sphincter UPJ Ureteropelvic junction UVJ Ureterovesical junction

VS Visceral space

Clinical History

ABCD Airway, breathing, circulation, defibrillate in cardio- pulmonary resuscitation

ABSYS Above symptoms

AC, a.c. Ante cibum (before a meal) ad lib. Ad libitum (as desired)

ADR Adverse drug reaction

AU Auris uterque (each ear)

AVPU Alert, responsive to verbal stimuli, responsive to pain- ful stimuli, and unresponsive (assessment of mental status)

AWS Alcohol withdrawal symptoms

BC, BLCO, cbc (Complete) blood count BID, b.i.d. Bis in die (twice a day)

BIO Biochemistry

BIPRO Biochemistry profile

BP Blood pressure

BUCR BUN and creatinine

BUN/Cr, BUCR Blood urea nitrogen/creatinine

CC Chief complaint

CCCR Calculated creatinine clearance Ch. D. Chirugiae doctor, surgery doctor

Cib. Cibus (food)

COEPS Cortically originating extrapyramidal symptoms CPE, CPX Complete physical examination

CR Creatinine

CrCl Creatinine clearance

CVS Current vital signs

d. Dexter (right)

DD, D/D, DDX Differential diagnosis DIFFRLS Differentials

DM Diastolic murmur

DNR Do not resuscitate

DOA Dead on arrival

DRE Digital rectal examination

DTR Deep tendon reflex

E/A Emergency admission

EAU Emergency admission unit

EPMS Extrapyramidal motor symptoms ESR Erythrocyte sedimentation rate FCUS First-catch urine sediment FEN Fluid, electrolytes, and nutrition FH, FAHX Family history

FH+/FH± Family history positive/negative

FHA/FHHD Family history of alcoholism/heavy drinking

FHCa Family history of cancer

FHEH Family history of essential hypertension FHMI Family history of mental illness

FHSF Family history symptom free FHVD Family history of vascular disease GERS Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms GISYS Gastrointestinal symptoms

GP General practitioner

H&P History and physical examination

HARPPS Heat, absence of use, redness, pain, pus, swelling IBSY Irritable bowel symptoms

IRSS Illness-related symptoms IV, i.v. Intravenous

LUQ Left upper quadrant (of abdomen) LUTS Lower urinary tract symptoms

M.D. Medicinae doctor

MOUS Mutiple occurrence of unexplained symptoms NBM Nil by mouth (nothing by mouth, U.K.) NFH Negative family history

NIS No inflammatory signs

NNS Non-specific symptoms

NOHF No heart failure symptoms

NOSYS No symptoms

NPO Nil per os (nothing by mouth, U.S.) NPx Neurologist's physical examination NSAD No signs of acute disease

NSI No signs of infection/inflammation NVS Neurological vital signs

NVS No visual symptoms

OD Oculus dexter (right eye), overdose OPEX On physical examination

OS Oculus sinister (left eye) p.c. Post cibum (after meals)

p.r.n. Pro re nata (according to circumstances, may require)

p.v. Per vaginam

PC Present complaint

PCA Patient-controlled analgesia PCLS Persistent cold-like symptoms PE, Pex, Px, PHEX Physical examination

PESS Problem, etiology, signs and symptoms PFH Positive family history

PH, PHx Past history

PHI Past history of illness

PMS Premenstrual symptoms

PO, P.O. Per os (by mouth, orally)

POMR Problem-oriented medical record

PPES Peer physical examinations

ppm Parts per million

PRE Progressive-resistance exercise

PS Prescription

PT Physical therapy/therapist

q.2h. Quaque secunda hora (every two hours) q.3h. Quaque tertia hora (every three hours) q.d. Quaque die (every day)

q.h. Quaque hora (every hour) q.i.d. Quater in die (four times daily) q.v. Quantum vis (as much as desired)

RBC Red blood count

RDA Recommended daily allowance

RESP Respiratory symptoms

RLL Right lower lobe (of lung)

RLQ Right lower quadrant (of abdomen) RML Right middle lobe (of lung)

RMSD Rheumatic-musculoskeletal symptoms/diseases

RS Review of symptoms

RUL Right upper lobe (of lung)

RUQ Right upper quadrant (of abdomen) Rx Prescribe, prescription drug

S&S, S/S, SS Signs and symptoms

SASR Symptoms of acute stress reaction SC, S/C, SQ Subcutaneous

si op. sit, si opus sit (if necessary)

SM Systolic murmur

SOAP Subjective, objective, assessment, and plan (used in problem-oriented records) SSHF Signs and symptoms of heart failure SUS Stained urinary sediment

Sx Signs

t.i.d. Ter in die (three times daily)

TFT Thyroid function test

TINFHO/NFHO (There is) no family history of ...

TPN Total parenteral nutrition

TRINS Totally reversible ischemic neurological symptoms TWBC (Total) white blood count

U&E Urea and electrolytes

UEE Urinary excretion of electrolytes UGIS Upper gastrointestinal symptoms

UGS Urogenital symptoms

URELS Urine electrolytes

VR Vocal resonance

VS, vs Vital signs

VSA Vital signs absent

VSOK Vital signs normal

WRS Work-related symptoms

The Hospital

CCU Coronary care unit

CCU Critical care unit

ICF Intermediate care facility

ICU Intensive care unit

ECU Emergency care unit

EMS Emergency medical service

ER Emergency room

OT Operating theater/theatre

Radiology

Computed Tomography (CT), Image Reconstruction and Reformation

CAT Computed axial tomography

CECT Contrast enhanced CT

CPR Curved planar reformation

CT Computed tomography

CTA CT angiography, CT arteriography CTAP CT during arterial portography

CTC CT cholangiography

CTDI CT dose index

CTHA CT hepatic arteriography

CTM CT myelography

CTP CT perfusion imaging

CVS Continuous volume scanning

DCTM Delay CT myelography

DEQCT Dual-energy quantitative CT

EBCT Electron beam CT

EBT Electron beam tomography

FOV Field of view

FWAHM Full width at half maximum FWATA Full width at tenth area

HRCT High-resolution CT

HU Hounsfield units

LI Linear interpolation

MCTM Metrizamide CT myelography MIP Maximum intensity projection mIP, minIP Minimum intensity projection MLI Multislice linear interpolation

MPR Multiplanar reformation

MTT Mean transit time

Nr-MIP Noise-reduced maximum intensity projection

QCT Quantitative CT

ROI Region of interest

SC Slice collimation

SEQCT Single-energy CT

SFOV Scan field of view

SNR Signal-to-noise ratio SSD Shaded surface display SSP Section sensitiviy profile SVS Step volume scanning (EBCT)

TF Table feed

UFCT Ultrafast CT

VOI Volume of interest

VRT Volume rendering technique Conventional Radiology

ABER Abduction and external rotation ACR American College of Radiology

ALARA As low as reasonably achievable (radiation dosages)

AP Anteroposterior

ASNR American Society of Neuroradiology ASSR American Society of Spine Radiology At Wt, AW Atomic Weight

BE Barium enema

Bol Bolus

Bq Becquerel

BS Barium swallow

C/C Cholecystectomy and operative cholangiogram CAG, CHGM Cholangiogram

CAG, CHGRY Cholangiography

CDG Conventional dacryocystography CPR Curved planar reformation

CRT Cathode ray tube

CSG, CG, CCG Cholecystography or cholecystogram

CXR Chest X-ray

DC Double contrast

DCG Dacryocystography

DCSA Double-contrast shoulder arthrography DFCG Digital fluorocholangiogram

DICOM Digital imaging and communications in medicine

DLP Dose±length product

DSAR Digital subtraction arthrography

FOV Field of view

FWAHM Full width at half maximum FWATA Full width at tenth area

H/S Hysterosalpingography

HOCA High osmolar contrast agent

ICRP International Commision on Radiological Protection IOCG Intraoperative cholangiogram

IVCH Intravenous cholangiogram

IVP Intravenous pyelogram

IVU Intravenous urogram

keV Kiloelectron-volt

KUB Kidney±ureters±bladder

(plain abdominal radiography)

kV Kilovolt

LAO Left anterior oblique position

LAP Late arterial phase

LMM Lumbar metrizamide myelography LOCM Low osmolar contrast medium LPO Left posterior oblique position

LUT Look-up table

MCU Micturating cystography

MCUG Micturating cystourethrogram

MLG Myelography

Nr-MIP Noise-reduced maximum intensity projection

OCC Oral cholecystography

OCG Oral cholangiogram

PA Posteroanterior

PACS Picture archive and communication system PFMM Plain film metrizamide myelography

PMG Pneumomyelography

PS Parotid sialography

PVP Portal venous phase

RAO Right anterior oblique

RC Retrograde cystogram

RGPG, RGP Retrograde pyelogram, retrograde pyelography RGU, RUG Retrograde urethrogram, retrograde urethrography

ROI Region of interest

RPO Right posterior oblique

RU Retrograde urogram

RUP Retrograde ureteropyelography, retrograde pyelogram S/N, SNR Signal to noise ratio

SBFT Small-bowel follow-through examination

SC Single contrast

SCGC Single-contrast graded-compression technique (GI radiology)

SCVIR Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology

SFOV Scan field of view

SOL Space-occupying lesion

SSD Shaded surface display

TTC T-tube cholangiogram

TTP Time to peak

UCG, UCR Urethrocystography

UGI Upper gastrointestinal series

VCG Voiding cystography

VCU, VCUG Voiding cystourethrogram, voiding cystourethro- graphy

VOI Volume of interest

VR Volume rendering

VRT Volume rendering technique WSM Water-soluble myelography

XR X-ray

Interventional Radiology

BN Bird's nest filter

CVA Central venous access

DSA Digital subtraction angiography

EAP Early arterial phase

ERC Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography

F French (unit of a scale for denoting size of catheters) FNAC Fine-needle aspiration cytology

FWHM Full width at half maximum HDAF Hemodynamic access fistula

IACB Intraaortic counterpulsation balloon pump

LAP Late arterial phase

LP Lumbar puncture

PC Percutaneous cholecystostomy

PCD Percutaneous drainage

PCN Percutaneous nephrostomy

PCWP Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure PEG Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy PEI Percutaneous ethanol injection

PFG Percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy PICC Peripherally inserted central catheter PTA Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty PTBD Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage PTC Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene

PTHC Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography PVP Portal venous phase, percutaneous vertebroplasty Rt-PA Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator SCVIR Standards of Practice Guidelines on Angioplasty

SK Streptokinase

TACE Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

TIPS Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

TNB Transthoracic needle biopsy

tPA Tissue plasminogen activator

TTP Time to peak

UK Urokinase

VT Vena-Tech (vena cava filter) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

CHESS Chemical shift selective pulses CME-MRI Contrast medium-enhanced MRI CNR Contrast to noise ratio

COPE Centrally ordered phase encoding

CSI Chemical shift imaging (magnetic resonance spectroscopy method)

CVMR Cardiovascular magnetic resonance DNMR Dynamic nuclear magnetic resonance

DTPA Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (a binding substance for both Gd and 99m-Tc)

DWI Diffusion-weighted image

EMRI Electron MRI

EPI Echoplanar imaging

EPMR Echoplanar magnetic resonance

EP-MRSI Echoplanar magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging

ERSC-MRI Endorectal surface coil MRI

ESR Electron spin resonance

ETL Echo train length

FAST Fourier-acquired steady-state technique

FC Flow compensation

FID Free induction decay

FISP Fast imaging with steady-state precession FLASH Fast low-angle shot

fMRI Functional MRI

FMRIB Functional MRI of the brain

FS Fast saturation

FSE Fast spin echo

FT Fourier transform

FTNMR Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance Gd-DTPA Gadolinium-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid Gd-MRA Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance arterio-

graphy

GE Gradient echo

GEMRA Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angio- graphy

GRASS Gradient-recalled acquisition in steady-state GRE Gradient-recalled echo, gradient echo

GRM Gradient rephasing motion

HASTE Half Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo

i-MR Interventional MRI

IR Inversion recovery

ISMRM International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicne

MAS NMR Magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance MOTSA Multiple overlapping thin-slabacquisition

MPGR Multiplanar two-dimensional gradient echo MRA Magnetic resonance angiography

MRA Magnetic resonance arthrography

MRCP Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography MRE Magnetic resonance elastography, magnetic resonance

enteroclysis

MRI Magnetic resonance imaging MRM Magnetic resonance myelography MRS Magnetic resonance spectroscopy MRU Magnetic resonance urography

MRV Magnetic resonance venography/venogram MTF Modulation transfer function

MTP Magnetization transfer pulse

NAA N-Acetyl aspartate (MR spectroscopy)

NAQ Number of acquisitions

NEX Number of excitations

NMRI Nuclear MRI

PC Phase contrast

PMR Proton magnetic resonance

PWI Perfusion-weighted imaging

RF Radiofrequency

ROPE Respiratory-ordered phase encoding SAR Specific absorption rate

SE Spin echo

SENSE Sensitivity encoding for MRI

SLS Interslice spacing

SLTHK Slice thickness

SMASH Simultaneous acquisition of spatial harmonics SMRI Society of Magnetic Resonance Imaging

SPGR Spoiled gradient recalled acquisition in steady state, spoiled gradient-recalled echo

SPIO Superparamagnetic iron oxide (particles) SPIR Spectral presaturation by inversion recovery SSFP Steady-state free precession

SSNMR Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance STEAM Stimulated-echo acquisition mode

STIR Short-tau inversion recovery, short T1 inversion

recovery

T1w T1-weighted image

T2w T2-weighted image

TE Time to echo (echo time)

TI Inversion time

TOF Time of flight

TR Time of repetition (repetition time)

TSE Turbo spin echo

USPIO Ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles VENC-MR Velocity-encoded cine MRI

Nuclear Medicine

AXL Axillary lymphoscintigraphy

CPDS Computer processed dynamic scintigraphy

CS Cerebral scintigraphy

DIC Direct isotope cystography

DMSA 99m-Tc-Dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy DPLS Dynamic perfusory lung scintigraphy

DRC, DRCG, DRNC Direct radionuclide cystography

DRVC Direct radionuclide voiding cystography

DTMS Dipyridamole-Thallium myocardial scintigraphy EMPS Exercise myocardial perfusion scintigraphy HBFS Hepatobiliary functional scintigraphy

HIDA Hepatobiliary scintigraphy with dimethylimino- diacetic acid

IMP I-123-Isopropyliodoamphetamine (radiolabeled agent for brain perfusion SPECT)

IRC Indirect radionuclide cystography IVCU Isotope-voiding cystourethrogram MPS Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy PET Positron emission tomography rCBF Regional cerebral blood flow

RIA Radioimmunoassay

RNVC, RNC Radionuclide voiding cystography

SCINT Scintigraphy

SESC Sestamibi scan

SPECT Single photon emission computed tomography SRS Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy

SSMM Sestamibi scintimammography

Tc-99m-ECD- Technetium-99m bicisate ethyl cysteinate dimer bicisate (radiolabeled agent for brain perfusion SPECT) Tc-99m-HMPAO Technetium-99m-hexamethyl propylamine oxime

(radiolabeled agent for Brain Perfusion SPECT) Tc-99mI-123-QNB Technetium-99m-iodine-123-quinuclidinyl-iodo-

benzylate

Tc-99m-labeled RBCs Red blood cell scan (Meckel's scan)

TMS Thalium myocardial scintigraphy

TPBS Three-phase dynamic bone scintigraphy V/Q scanning Ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy WBC scans White blood cell scans

WBS Whole body scintigraphy

WCS White cell scintigraphy Ultrasonography

3D-US Three-dimensional ultrasound AD Acoustic densitometry (ultrasound)

B-mode Brightness-mode

BPD Bi-parietal diameter (ultrasound measurement of the head of a fetus)

CCUS Complete compression ultrasound

CDI Color Doppler imaging

CEUS Contrast-enhanced ultrasound

CRL Crown rump length (ultrasound fetal measurement) CW Doppler Continuous wave Doppler

DPVTI Doppler power velocity time integral

DR Dynamic range

EDV End diastolic velocity EFOV Extended field of view

EJU European Journal of Ultrasound

ELB Echolucent band

ERUS, EUS Endorectal ultrasonography, endorectal ultrasound

ESB Echostrong band

EUS Endovascular ultrasonography, endoscopic ultrasound

EVS Endovaginal sonography

EVUS Endovaginal ultrasound

ISUOG International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

IVUS Intravascular ultrasound

PDI Power Doppler imaging

PI Pulsatility index

PIM Pulse inversion mode

PNU Prenatal ultrasonography PRF Pulse repetition frequency PSV Peak systolic velocity

PWD Pulsed-wave Doppler

QUI Quantitative ultrasound index (bone density) QUS Quantitative ultrasound

RI Resistivity index

RTU Real-time ultrasound

SVU Society for Vascular Ultrasound TAUS Transabdominal ultrasonography TEE Transesophageal echocardiography

TGC Time-gain compensation

THI Time harmonic imaging TRUS Transrectal ultrasound

TULIP Transurethral ultrasound-guided laser-induced prostatectomy

TUS Transabdominal ultrasound

US, USG Ultrasound, ultrasonography

USB Ultrasound-guided aspiration biopsy USMF Ultrasound multi-frame (images)

VUS Voiding urosonography, voiding urethrosonography

Exercises: Common Sentences Containing Abbreviations

This section presents common sentences containing abbreviations, followed by the definitions of the abbreviations used.

Sentences:

· A 40-year-old man visited our hospital, and was diagnosed as having Felty's syndrome because of splenomegaly and pancytopenia as well as definite RA.

· MCV, MCHC, LDH, ANA and RF values are normal.

· The platelet and WBC counts exceeded their normal ranges. He was di- agnosed as suffering from ... (ITP, CMML, AML, CML). Two months after, he received a BMT.

· Foreign bodies display a variable signal intensity on both T1- and T2- weighted images. MR shows an inflammatory response while CT can show the retained foreign body. US evaluation could be useful in se- lected patients.

· COPD is a risk factor in the development of TB.

· Cholera can be diagnosed by the presence of CTX in stools.

· A 16-year-old female suffering from fever, chills, rash and presenting multiple nodular opacities in CXR was diagnosed as having ... (RMSF, BPF, DGI).

· An ECG was obtained, and showed ... (RBBB, LBBB, APCs, VPCs, AF,

· VF). He is actually under treatment with ACEI. Ten years ago he was treated with PTCA because of the three AMI he had suffered.

· RA and SSc are more common in females.

· PCP and PML are two of the complications that can be suffered by AIDS

patients.

· Cutaneous manifestations of SLE can be divided into SCLE (acute) and DLE (chronic).

· The key to the diagnosis of septic arthritis is joint aspiration. Joint fluid is opaque and has a WBC count greater than 100,000.

· Clinical signs of skeletal metastases include hypercalcemia and the syn- drome known as HPO.

· Prolonged morning stiffness helps to distinguish a truly inflammatory arthritis such as RA from non-inflammatory arthritides such as OA.

· The typical attack of acute gouty arthritis is a painful monoarthritis, most often in the first MTP joint (podagra).

· Scaphoid fractures exhibit a high rate of non-union and AVN.

· Water is arbitrarily assigned a value of 0 HU.

· MRI is the imaging modality of choice for the CNS.

· The aorta is normally visible on PA and lateral chest radiographs.

· Generally, a PT of below 15 seconds, a PTT within 1.2 times control and a platelet count greater than 75,000/ml will be acceptable.

· TIPS is a relatively new technique for the treatment of patients with por- tal hypertension.

· To rule out the presence of DVT, a lower extremity ultrasound examina- tion should be performed.

· Approximately 1% of cardiac muscle cells, including those in the SA and AV nodes, are autorhythmic.

· In the chronic form of mitral regurgitation, clinical monitoring focuses on the evaluation of left ventricular function, with treatment of CHF.

· The RCA supplies the right ventricle and the AV node.

· The LCA divides into the anterior descending and circumflex arteries.

· In the ARDS an increase in capillary permeability occurs.

· SOB can usually be attributed to one of two fundamental categories of disease, cardiac or pulmonary.

· In patients with documented DVT or PE in whom anticoagulation is contraindicated, percutaneous placement of an IVC filter in the angio- graphy suite may be warranted.

· The azygous vein provides venous drainage into the SVC.

· NHL carries a less-favorable prognosis than Hodgkin's disease.

· There is a strong association between thymoma and MG.

· Neurofibromas and schwannomas are more common in patients with NF-1.

· KS remains the most common malignancy in HIV disease and consti- tutes an AIDS-defining illness.

· LIP is an AIDS-defining illness in children.

· One of the classic differential diagnoses in radiology is that of the SPN.

· The SMA supplies the bowel between the duodenojejunal junction and the splenic flexure of the colon.

· CT scanning has replaced DPL for detecting and evaluating free fluid within the abdominal cavity.

· The pelvis joins the ureter at the UPJ, a common site of obstruction.

· The higher incidence of UTIs in young women is attributed to the rela- tively short female urethra.

· When an ACE inhibitor is administered, glomerular filtration is reduced.

· Intrinsic renal causes of acute renal failure include ATN and acute glo- merulonephritis.

· A clue to the prerenal nature of the failure is contained in the ratio of serum BUN to creatinine.

· The standard screening mammogram includes two views of each breast:

the CC view and the MLO view.

· Hydrocephalus is called obstructive when there is a blockage of normal flow of CSF.

· Fetal growth is assessed by measurement of abdominal circumference, which is important in detecting IUGR.

· The transitional zone represents the site of BPH.

· Strokes are sometimes preceded clinically by so-called TIAs.

· The most common location of stroke is in the MCA distribution.

· ACA occlusion may cause contralateral foot and leg weakness.

· A small infarction in some portions of the PCA territory may have cata- strophic consequences.

· HMD is the most common cause of neonatal respiratory distress.

· An important complication of long-term ventilatory support is BPD.

· TTN occurs when there is inadequate or delayed clearance of the fluid at birth, resulting in a ªwet lungº.

· EA and TEF both represent anomalies in the development of the primi- tive foregut.

· NEC occurs primarily in premature neonates exposed to hypoxic stress.

· DDH is suspected clinically in newborns with a breech presentation.

· PVL is the result of prenatal or neonatal hypoxic-ischemic insult.

· An AVM is a congenital lesion resulting from persistent fetal capillaries.

Definitions:

ACA Anterior cerebral artery

ACE Angiotensin-converting enzyme

ACEI Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor

AF Atrial fibrillation

AIDS Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome AMI Acute myocardial infarction

AML Acute myeloid leukemia

ANA Antinuclear antibodies APCs Atrial premature complexes

ARDS Acute respiratory distress syndrome ATN Acute tubular necrosis

AV Atrioventricular

AVM Arteriovenous malformation

AVN Avascular necrosis

BMT Bone marrow transplantation BPD Bronchopulmonary dysplasia BPF Brazilian purpuric fever BPH Bening prostatic hyperplasia

BUN Blood-urea nitrogen

CC Craniocaudal

CHF Congestive heart failure

CML Chronic myeloid leukemia

CMML Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

CNS Central Nervous System

COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

CSF Cerebrospinal fluid

CT Computed tomography

CTX Cholera toxin

CXR Chest X-ray

DDH Developmental dysplasia of the hip DGI Disseminated gonococcal infection DLE Discoid lupus erythematosus DPL Diagnostic peritoneal lavage

DVT Deep venous thrombosis

EA Esophageal atresia

ECG Electrocardiogram

HIV Human immunodeficiency virus

HMD Hyaline membrane disease

HPO Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropaty

HU Hounsfield units

ITP Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura IUGR Intrauterine growth retardation

IVC Inferior vena cava

KS Kaposi's sarcoma

LBBB Left bundle branch block

LCA Left coronary artery

LDH Lactate dehydrogenase

LIP Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis MCA Middle cerebral artery

MCHC Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration

MCV Mean corpuscular volume

MG Myasthenia gravis

MLO Mediolateral oblique

MR Magnetic resonance

MRI Magnetic resonance imaging

MTP Metatarsophalangeal

NEC Necrotizing enterocolitis NF-1 Neurofibromatosis type 1

NHL Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

OA Osteoarthritis

PA Posteroanterior

PCA Posterior cerebral artery

PCP Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

PE Pulmonary embolism

PML Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

PT Prothrombin time

PTCA Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty PTT Partial thromboplastin time

PVL Periventricular leukomalacia

RA Rheumatoid arthritis

RBBB Right bundle branch block

RCA Right coronary artery

RF Rheumatoid factor

RMSF Rocky mountain spotted fever

SA Sinoatrial

SCLE Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus SLE Systemic lupus erythematosus

SMA Superior mesenteric artery

SOB Shortness of breath

SPN Solitary pulmonary nodule

SSc Systemic sclerosis

SVC Superior vena cava

TB Tuberculosis

TEF Tracheoesophageal fistula TIA Transient ischemic attack

TIPS Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting TTN Transient tachypnea of the newborn

UPJ Ureteropelvic junction

US Ultrasonography

UTI Urinary tract infection VF Ventricular fibrillation

VPCs Ventricular premature complexes

WBC White blood cell